The spiritual, political, cultural, and economic landscape at this point in American history is unfriendly toward forward momentum for God.

Yet I believe that the greatest works of God are accomplished during the most limited times humanly speaking. In fact, some of the most financially intense projects recorded in Scripture took place during lean times.

• The wilderness tabernacle was constructed by laid-off brick layers.
• The second Temple was constructed by refugees.
• The first century church was funded by poverty-stricken Christians.

The economic insecurity, political instability, cultural turmoil, and spiritual upheaval of today makes a very large platform for God to be magnified! When significant works of God happen against this backdrop, the glory obviously goes to God. (more…)

If there is a story in the Bible that simultaneously encourages and irritates me, it is the account of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

Encouraging? God gave Nehemiah a vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. As Nehemiah shared the vision, the people rallied and built, raising the walls to God’s glory.

Irritating? The complete project was finished in a mere fifty-two days! Obviously, the Jews did not have to deal with permits, city codes, building inspectors, local ordinances, or the countless other time-takers we have today!

Sunday night, I shared a tremendous vision with our church—an expansion to our Worship Center. In reality, this West Wing Tower is only the first in a three-phase project to make room for what God is doing through our church. (more…)

For the eleventh time in the history of Lancaster Baptist Church, we thrust our silver shovel in the ground, beginning a new building project by faith. Yesterday morning we broke ground for our West Wing Tower—the first in a three-phase expansion project for our auditorium.

From a human standpoint, starting a multi-million dollar building project during an economic recession is poor timing. But as we gathered on the lawn yesterday, we looked at another time in history when God’s people began a massive building project in uncertain days. Like Nehemiah and the Israelites who built the wall with him, we believe that “The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build” (Nehemiah 2:20)!

Many times over the past twenty-five years we have stepped out in faith and made the sacrifices necessary to provide more space. Every time, God has not only been faithful to provide each need, but He has also filled every new seat! This week, we embark on another spiritual journey that will expand our capacity to reach more people and will increase our faith in God to provide. (more…)

As I walked through the Young Adult Educational Building this afternoon, it was a blessing to see dozens of laborers from various trades putting the finishing touches on the building. We are now only a week away from the formal dedication on Missions Sunday, October 21st.

The primary purpose of this building is to train up laborers for His harvest. As you walk in the lobby, the first thing you see is a beautiful fountain with a globe atop. This globe will serve as a daily reminder to the students of West Coast Baptist College of the untold billions across the world who need to hear the Gospel message.

At Lancaster Baptist Church and West Coast Baptist College, we understand that buildings don’t change lives, but what happens in them does. It is our prayer that young men and women will be trained within these walls and then sent out to do a great work for God.

Check back soon for pictures of the building dedication. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Have a great day.

In our twenty-one years at Lancaster Baptist Church we have been in a constant state of building. The largest building on our campus, both in size and in cost, is currently being built.

The Young Adult Educational Building is a building dedicated to the faith of Jesus Christ. This building will be the training ground for college students who will become grounded in the faith and prepared for lives of ministry.

One of the dreaded terms in a building program is the term “change order.” Change orders are the result of architectural error, customer request, or in some cases, a fire department regulation. Whatever the cause of the change order, there is always a cost associated with it!

First Ground Breaking

During building programs, I am always thankful for two attributes of my God. First, I thank God for His faithfulness, for with Him there are no change orders!

Secondly, I thank God for His sovereignty. Even though I experience many challenges to my faith and many obstacles during a building program, I always find rest in the fact that God saw them before I ever knew of them and that He has already prepared a way for me to have victory.

I would ask you to take a moment to pray for this project today. Pray that God will provide the finances and that He will provide wisdom as we develop this great building for His honor and glory.